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The hole

£8.99

A little boy has a big hole in his life after his brother’s death. It’s in the bottom bunk where Matty used to sleep, and on Matty’s chair at dinner. It follows him everywhere – and he hates it. But with the help of a friend, he manages to climb into the hole and confront his grief – the sadness, the anger, and the simple truth of how much he misses his brother. And when he finally feels ready to share stories about Matty again, he realises he can find some comfort in filling the hole with his favourite memories.

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ISBN: 9780241737156 Category: Children's - Non-Fiction Tags: Children's / Teenage personal & social issues: death & bereavement, Children's / Teenage personal & social issues: Emotions, Children's / Teenage personal & social issues: Friends & friendship issues, Children's picture books
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Description

A powerful and profoundly moving picture book story about grief that is perfect for opening up conversations about loss with young readers

A little boy has a big hole in his life after his brother’s death. It’s in the bottom bunk where Matty used to sleep, and on Matty’s chair at dinner.

It follows him everywhere – and he hates it.

But with the help of a friend, he manages to climb into the hole and confront his grief – the sadness, the anger, and the simple truth of how much he misses his brother. And when he finally feels ready to share stories about Matty again, he realises he can find some comfort in filling the hole with his favourite memories.

This beautifully written and stunningly illustrated story uses a direct and thoughtful metaphor to explain the grieving process for young readers, and demonstrates the importance of friendship, support, and the power of talking about your feelings.

Read a sample here

Additional information

Weight 0.166 kg
Dimensions 25.5 × 20.5 × 0.5 cm
Author

Bonilla, Lindsay

Publisher

Puffin

Imprint

Puffin

Cover

Paperback

Pages

32

Language

English

Edition

Paperback original

Dewey

813.6 (edition:23)

Readership

Children – juvenile / Code: J

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Jun 19



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Happy Independent Bookshop Week!

Being an indie bookshop means supporting the incredible independent publishers that help make bookselling so interesting.

This week, our booksellers are shining a spotlight on some of their favourite indie presses and the books they love from them.

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Thanks everyone for coming to our June event discussing Good and Mad by Rebecca Traister. In July's Feminist Book Club, we'll be discussing Goodlord by Ella Frears. Whether you're new or regular come and join!📚😀 As always tickets are limited so book early to avoid dissapointment

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Jun 17



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House of Books and Friends cannot wait to host Lisa Ownes on Wednesday 1st July to discuss her new title ‘Natural Disaster'. 🐍🔥

The evening will begin at 6pm, and involve a discussion, a Q&A, and a chance to get your book signed by Lisa. Lisa will be in conversation with our bookseller, Lily.

About the book

For weeks, she has been saying it will be their special day. One last, perfect day with her children before she returns to work after maternity leave. What’s the worst that can happen?

Unfolding across 24 hours, Natural Disaster is a novel about the absurd, frustrating, hilarious, precarious, bittersweet, sometimes astonishing challenge – literal, existential – of being a woman, a mother, a wife, a person for one single, entire day.

Get tickets via the link in our bio! 🎟

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Jun 15



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June 15th - 21st 2026 is a week dedicated to loneliness awareness. Loneliness is something we all experience and by taking part you can create space for more open conversations and meaningful connections. 
2026 marks 10 years of the campaign, and this year’s theme is Giving Loneliness a Voice. By sharing real, human stories of loneliness – and the wonderful power of understanding and connection – together we can make people experiencing loneliness feel less alone.
Here are some fiction and non-fiction recommendations that we feel gives loneliness a voice and fosters empathy for those struggling to form connections.

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How COOL is this customised version of Flights that one of our lovely customers gave their friend as a birthday gift?! 🎁

BRB off to hand paint all our Fitzcarraldo editions...

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Jun 13



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House of Books & Friends is excited to celebrate 50 Years of Punk with John Robb and Russ Bestley on 22nd July at 6pm.

John will be discussing his memoir, Punk Rock Ruined my Life: and other stories, while Russ discusses his new title, Turning Revolt into Style: The process and practice of punk graphic design. 
Tickets and info available on our website!


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